9 Best Exhaust/Header Gasket 2024 | Expert’s Guide

Exhaust gaskets are simple, but they have bigger jobs to perform. You will hear a very inconvenient rattling sound if your exhaust gasket is not good. Therefore, you need a good exhaust gasket to improve the situation. There are a lot of features that should be present in this product, and we will find them out.

Because today, I will take you over to the best exhaust gasket that you can find this year. My goal is to lay it out bare in front of you to help you choose better.

Comparison Table of Our Top 09 Best Exhaust Gasket

Image	Product	Product Dimensions	Material Quality	Specialty	Price
	GM Genuine 12617944 Gasket	18.3 x 2.9 x 0.2 inches	Top-notch	Top-notch in every aspect	Check Price
	Fel-Pro MS 97083 Gasket	‎22.88 x 6 x 0.44 inches	Top-notch	Very durable	Check Price
	MAHLE MS16124 Gasket	–	Top-notch	Easy to install and works well	Check Price
	BD Diesel Performance 1045986	5.1 x 4.6 x 3.6 inches	Top-notch	Great material and design	Check Price
	AIB2C Exhaust Flange Gasket	7.09 x 5.79 x 0.63 inches	High	High class construction	Check Price
	LucaSng Exhaust Gaskets	7.09 x 6.38 x 0.16 inches	High	Very durable and tough
	MAHLE MS19225 Gasket	–	Top-notch	Easy to install
	Hedman Hedders 27500	24 x 6 x 0.5 inches	Medium	Fits well and works well
	LucaSng A Pair SBC Copper	22.4 x 1.96 x 0.1 inches	High	Copper makes it awesome

Our 09 Picks of Best Exhaust Gasket

There are hundreds of exhaust gaskets available in the market. Finding the best out of them is not an easy thing. To ease down the process for you, I will now review all the products on my list. I will try to put up a good comparison by mentioning some decision-making factors as well. Keep note that A+ goes to the best while C is for the least. Here you go!

1. Best Design and Construction: GM Genuine 12617944 Exhaust Manifold Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: ACDelco
• Material: Metal (MLS)
• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• OE Standards: Original Equipment
• Product Dimensions: ‎18.3 x 2.9 x 0.2 inches
• Color: Grey

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A+
• Performance: A+
• Installation: Easy

You might have heard that champions stay on top. Just like that, the first product on my list keeps the first spot. I am also a fan of this product because it is near to perfection.

Firstly, let’s talk about technology. Original Equipment usually sets standards. This product is also Original Equipment of the finest quality. To top it off, it is associated with GM that is renowned for its incredible technology.

Made out of the best material, these gaskets are unmatched in their performance. ACDelco is the only GM parts brand that offers Original Equipment parts for GM vehicle production. Isn’t that incredible?

Now, another thing that you will find in these gaskets is professionalism. These gaskets are designed and manufactured in a professional manner to ensure top-notch quality. 

Adding more to it, you will find these gaskets at a very good price, yet the quality would seem matchless. So, I prefer these exhaust gaskets for enhanced performance.

Lastly, the purpose of a gasket is to provide sealing. These gaskets perform that job so well that you won’t have to worry any longer.

Pros

• Original Equipment to set new standards
• The material and the construction are spot-on
• It prevents leaks quite well
• Good price, value for the money

Cons

• You have to buy 2 for both sides.

If you need the exhaust clamps of best quality, you can read our following review guide.

2. Best for Perfect Fit: Fel-Pro MS 97083 Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set

Specifications

• Brand: Fel-Pro
• Material: Metal
• Item Weight: 5 ounces
• OE Standards: NA
• Product Dimensions: 22.88 x 6 x 0.44 inches 
• Color: Dark Grey

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A+
• Performance: A 
• Installation: Easy

On the second spot, we have Fel-Pro MS 97083 exhaust manifold gasket. It is my second most favorite product because it ensures a lot of amazing features and reliability. Let’s find them out!

The first thing is about the design. It is application-specific which means you will not have wide applications for this product. Rather, to ensure perfect fit along with the premium-quality seal, the design is made application-specific.

Secondly, when it comes to the quality, after GM, Fel-Pro is one of those brands that offer great quality exhaust gaskets. Therefore, you can rely on them as well.

Thirdly, these gaskets are designed and manufactured for repair environment. So, now you know about the usage as well.

These gaskets are constructed to endure the high temperature caused by exhaust gases. Moreover, the maintenance gets a lot easier with the proprietary coating.

Lastly, the installation process is pretty easy, and you do not have to worry about that as well.

Pros

• Top-notch design to sustain the condition
• The installation process is pretty easy.
• Robust construction to bear the high-temperature
• Unmatched quality to rely upon

Cons

• The price is relatively higher

Comparison between the No. 01 and No. 02 Product on My List

I will now compare the first and the second products on my list for your better understanding.

• So, the first product is an OE of GM, and it has its legacy. It is of top-notch quality. The second product is not an OE.
• The price of the first product is pretty good and provides true value for the money. The second product is a bit expensive.
• Overall, the first product is better in design, construction, and performance than the second one.

Remember that the second product is also pretty amazing, but we are making a comparison here. Also, compatibility is another factor.

3. Best to Meet OE Standards: MAHLE MS16124 Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: MAHLE
• Material: Metal (MLS)
• Item Weight: 7.4 ounces
• OE Standards: Follows
• Product Dimensions: NA
• Color: Dark Grey

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A+
• Performance: A 
• Installation: Easy

Next up, we have a MAHLE MS16124 gasket that meets or even sometimes exceeds the OE standards in offering you the best product.

If you are looking for one of the finest sealing components, then you should not forget about this one. Made out of MLS that is multi-layered steel, these gaskets solve your problems by providing a great and robust fitting.

Moreover, as I mentioned before, these gaskets meet or exceed the OE standards, which means you will never get a bad product from them because OE products are usually wonderful. If some other products meet the standards, those products provide a next-level experience.

If you are tired of your engine’s unpleasant rattling sound, then do not hate it because there might be leakage at the exhaust seal. Therefore, install this gasket right away to enjoy the sweet sound of your engine again.

Moreover, the set contains all the gaskets necessary. So, you don’t have to worry about buying more.

Pros

• Follows OE standards to come up with the best quality
• The material is pretty robust to enhance durability
• The performance gets elevated with the incredible design
• The price is also normal

Cons

• GM OE gasket is still better.

Note: Exhaust Wrap also important for your exhaust system. Read the details guide here.

4. Best for Perfect Fit: BD Diesel Performance 1045986 Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set

Specifications

• Brand: BD Diesel Performance
• Material: Metal
• Item Weight: 4.6 ounces
• OE Standards: NA
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.6 x 3.6 inches 
• Color: Dark Grey/Black

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A+
• Performance: A 
• Installation: Easy

Moving forward, I have BD Diesel Performance for you. They offer you vehicle-specific gaskets to ensure a perfect fitting. You get high-quality products that are among the best ones.

Talking about the material first, it seems very durable and robust. Usually, multi-layered steel is used in the case of exhaust gaskets, but quality matters as well. If the material is of good quality, then the gasket would last for longer than you think and perform better than the expectations.

The design also has an important role to play. Because if you want to avoid the rattling sound of your vehicle’s engine, then this type of gasket can make life easier.

With this gasket, everything happens as needed. The kit comes with one turbo flange gasket and the other as a divided one. Keep note that you do not want to lose the gasket for your turbo drain. Otherwise, you may observe oil leakage or similar issues.

So, overall, this is another wholesome product to make your car’s exhaust system better. Look for the features, and if they are what you are looking for, then I would definitely recommend you this product. 

Pros

• Ensures great quality to last longer
• Provides perfect fitting to avoid leakage
• Installation is not a big deal
• Good construction and design

Cons

• The price is quite high

5. Best for Exhaust Turbo: AIB2C Exhaust Flange Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: AIB2C
• Material: MLS & Graphite
• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• OE Standards: NA
• Product Dimensions: ‎7.09 x 5.79 x 0.63 inches
• Color: Shiny Silver

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A
• Design: A
• Performance: A 
• Installation: Easy

The next product on my list is this five pcs set of the best exhaust flange gasket. This product is made of high-quality multi-layered stainless steel along with graphite combined. These materials ensure a very good performance in these products. 

For example, when it comes to high-temperature durability, this gasket performs very well in extreme conditions. So, you do not have to worry about its performance.

When it comes to the installation, it has an easy-bolt installation procedure. Moreover, it offers universal fitment to ensure a good leakage-free sealing all around. So, you do not have to be very skilled to DIY the installation.

To top it off, the material is heat resistant. When it comes to the job of an exhaust gasket, it has to face severe conditions. So, a heat-resistant exhaust gasket performs well and proves to be long-lasting.

So, once you install it, you will not hear any bad noises from the engine as well as you will not have to worry about the gasket blowout.

Lastly, if you liked the features and this gasket is compatible with your requirements, then I would highly recommend this one as well.

Pros

• The material is of very high quality
• The gasket is heat-resistant to last longer
• The performance is pretty good owing to the construction
• Universal fitment solves the problem

Cons

• Not as good as OE gaskets

6. Best Durable Gasket: LucaSng Exhaust Collector Gaskets

Specifications

• Brand: Luca Sng
• Material: Copper
• Item Weight: 2.89 ounces
• OE Standards: Original Standard
• Product Dimensions: ‎7.09 x 6.38 x 0.16 inches
• Color: Copper color

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A
• Performance: A
• Installation: Medium

Now, we have something made of copper. Copper is a pretty good material when it comes to gaskets. Owing to the durability that it promises, it is widely used for high-performance street/strip engines. Moreover, copper provides good resistance to blowouts as it distributes heat quite evenly.

Just like that, this gasket offers a strong seal on rough as well. This gasket is made of the finest thick copper to ensure impeccable durability.

To top it off, you get super awesome wear-resistant, anti-strike, anti-scratch, and dust-proof features.

When it comes to sealing performance, this gasket provides a great fit to ensure good sealing and creates a tight as well as leak-proof seal.

My favorite part is the original standard that LucaSng has developed. They offer spare parts and accessories on original standards to ensure an unmatched experience.

When it comes to compatibility, you can use it for SBC, BBC, 302, 350, 454 to fit all the 3” collectors with a 3-bolt pattern.

So, if you loved its features and it meets your compatibility demands, then I would highly recommend this gasket to you. There are still more to go, so keep reading.

Pros

• Great performance owing to the great design
• Highly promising material to last longer
• Wear-resistant gasket for a better and longer experience
• Good compatibility range

Cons

• The installation gets a bit tricky relatively.

7. Best Reliable Gasket: MAHLE MS19225 Exhaust Manifold Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: MAHLE
• Material: MLS
• Item Weight: 2.56 ounces
• OE Standards: NA
• Product Dimensions: NA
• Color: Dark Grey

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: A+
• Design: A+
• Performance: A+
• Installation: Easy

Here we have another product by MAHLE. This one is also pretty incredible and offers many good features that we will find out.

Let’s talk about the material MLS first, as you know that it is multi-layered steel. The tolerance for the roughness of its sealing surface is pretty low. But they offer incredible features overall, and they are highly recommended for supercharged or nitrous applications.

When it comes to exhaust gaskets, MLS performs very well. You get these gaskets at a good price, and they serve for a long time as well.

This gasket holds well even after thousands of miles of driving with them. Now, when it comes to the sealing and the performance of this gasket, you become a fan.

They fit so well and hold the joint so well to ensure no leakage and a great experience. You must try it to find out.

Other than that, there is a two-bolts installation system that makes life easier. You can easily install it yourself. This product comes as a set of gaskets, and the price is amazing. At this price, you can rarely find a product like this. It performs so well to ensure true value for the money. So, if you really like things about this gasket and it is compatible with your vehicle’s exhaust system, then I would definitely recommend this one.

Isn’t it amazing that all the products on my list are wonderful? Well, we strive to bring the best for you. There are still more to go if you haven’t found your favorite one yet.

Pros

• The material is pretty good to ensure durability
• The fitting is incredible to avoid leakage
• The installation process is also pretty easy
• The product is super reliable

Cons

• The compatibility might seem limited

If you Have Ram 1500 and need the muffler delete, you can read our guide about the Best Muffler Delete for Ram 1500

8. Best Round Exhaust Gasket: Hedman Hedders 27500 Exhaust Header Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: Hedman
• Material: Steel and Graphite
• Item Weight: 5 ounces
• OE Standards: NA
• Product Dimensions: 24 x 6 x 0.5 inches 
• Color: NA

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: B+
• Design: B+
• Performance: B+ 
• Installation: Easy

On the next spot, we have Hedman. They offer you this relatively expensive product, but it does the job well.

First of all, let’s talk about the material. It is stainless steel centered in graphite. Thus, it offers great durability and works amazingly. Graphite makes it even better and lasts for longer.

Secondly, when it comes to performance, it handles the job pretty well. The fitting is good, and it provides a good defense against leakage as well. 

When it comes to the installation, it is not a big deal because you do not have to remove the header to do so. Due to the design, the process gets pretty easy. They get perfectly positioned on the bolts.

So, if you are thinking about any kind of leakage, then do not worry any longer because this exhaust gasket will solve your problem. 

Now, I have seen a lot of gaskets, and many of them come in different kinds of materials. Different materials impart different properties, but the purpose is always one. Some materials ensure high durability, scratch resistance, heat resistance, etc. And the exhaust gaskets should ensure about them.

Likewise, this gasket ensures a lot of great features, and you can rely on it. I also like this product, and that is why it is on my list. You have seen the previous products and this one as well. Now, it is up to you to decide.

Pros

• High-material for better results
• It fits well and eliminates leakage
• It stays with you for a long time
• Manufactured well to stay reliable

Cons

• The price is relatively higher

9. Best Oval Port Gasket: LucaSng A Pair SBC Copper Header Exhaust Gasket

Specifications

• Brand: LucaSng
• Material: Copper
• Item Weight: 6.72 ounces
• OE Standards: Follows
• Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 1.96 x 0.1 inches
• Color: Copper

Decision-Making Factors

• Durability: B+
• Design: B+
• Performance: B+
• Installation: Medium

Last but not least, we have this header exhaust gasket seal made of copper. As I told you earlier, copper is amazing when it is used in gaskets. This gasket is compatible with SB, Chevy 283, 327, 350, 383, and 400 engines. It fits on oval ports.

Now, let’s talk about its construction. So, on the inside, there is copper, and on the outside, there is a finish of copper/inlay. This material makes it durable and long-lasting. Moreover, you do not need any sealant for it. The exciting part is that you can reuse this product.

Copper imparts incredible features to the gaskets. Although they do not have solid copper, rather they have a thin laminate of copper inside. But the important this is that they get the job done. If you are worried about leakage, then this gasket will eliminate that issue.

Then comes the safety concern! Well, as you are buying the product, you should think of these aspects. For your information, this gasket is tested for its performance, and its accuracy is also tested on reliable machines. That makes this product reliable as well.

When it comes to sealing, as this gasket fits very well, it provides a pretty good sealing. So, you do not have to worry about leakages anymore. The material used in it is of high quality. The formula is anti-rustic. It is colorfast and durable. So, what else could you ask for?

Pros

• The material is pretty good to make it last longer
• The design is also good to ensure good performance
• The seal fits well and does the job well
• The compatibility range is pretty reasonable

Cons

• No solid copper used

Note: All the products were incredible, so none of their decision-making factors got into the C category.

How to Select the Best Exhaust Gasket?

There are some aspects that I believe you should remember before getting into the purchasing phase. It is basically the buyer’s guide for the exhaust gasket. This portion is dedicated especially to beginners to help them know about how to select the best exhaust gasket. So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.

Material

First of all, let’s talk about the material. The material is very important when you are buying an exhaust gasket. Usually, copper, steel, and composites are used to make these gaskets. Stainless steel infused in graphite and copper makes the best exhaust gaskets. They eliminate the leakage and serve for a long time. Therefore, you should look for this type of material.

Design

The design is also important. Well, it is not easy for a beginner to judge which design is better or not. You should make a comparison in this scenario. By observing in-depth and comparing all the areas, you can judge the design. Other than that, you can look for actual design standards of an exhaust gasket by following an OE. This will help you understand.

Fitting

The fitting is another very important aspect. To understand this point, you have to go back to the purpose of an exhaust gasket. A gasket does the sealing job. If the fitting is not good, it will not provide good sealing. So, to avoid the bad sound and achieve good sealing, you should look for the best fitting.

Compatibility

Then comes compatibility. It plays a very good role when we buy spare parts and components. Do not forget to check the compatibility of the product before buying it. It should meet your vehicle’s requirements. Otherwise, your investment would go in vain.

Performance

Then comes a factor that can be possible if the other aspects exist well. The performance is related to the fulfillment of the desired goals. If a gasket fits your exhaust system well, lasts longer, eliminates all the leakage, then it is a well-performing gasket. You have to make sure that it meets the parameters or not.

Reliability 

Reliability is also pretty important. A product is reliable if it is safe and it meets all the standards. It should perform well and be durable. Good exhaust gaskets serve for years. So, make sure that what you are buying is reliable.

Cost

The cost is always important when you go to buying something. I suggest only one strategy to people. Look for your desired features and get them at the best price. The best products do not have to be expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQS 

I will now add some frequently asked questions to answer your general queries.

1. What makes a good exhaust gasket?

A good exhaust gasket provides protection against leakage. It conforms to surface imperfections and helps in filling all the gaps between the mating surfaces.

2. Do you put anything on exhaust gaskets?

Gaskets do not need anything on them. If you are thinking of using a sealant on your exhaust gasket, then forget about it. Some exhaust gaskets come with their own sealant, and others are metal which does not need any sealant.

3. Are copper exhaust gaskets good?

Copper is an incredible material for exhaust gaskets. It ensures good fitting, heat resistance, durability, and much more. Therefore, copper gaskets are pretty good. They get the job done quite well.

4. Are MLS exhaust gaskets good?

MLS is multi-layered steel, and it usually has graphite on the outside. This material makes the gaskets pretty robust. The steel is usually stainless, and it ensures robustness.

5. What is the best type of exhaust gasket?

There are gaskets called Remflex gaskets. They are great at dealing with the temperature and can work well at up to 3000 ℉. It is a totally flexible gasket made of graphite and makes life easier.

6. How many gaskets do I need?

Usually, a lot of exhaust manifold systems use only one gasket. But there are exceptions like V6 and V8 engines. They need two exhaust gaskets. But you will get to know when you are going to install/replace your vehicle’s gasket.

7. Can I make my own gasket?

Yes, I am glad that you thought about it. You can make your own gasket, and it’s pretty easy as well. Also, non-steel lined materials work pretty well in this scenario, and you do not have to cut through the steel core in their case.

8. What material is good for gaskets?

Embossed steel consisting of various layers of steel is pretty good for exhaust gaskets. Copper is also a pretty good option. Other than that, fiber materials, graphite, and composites also work very well.

9. How long do exhaust gaskets last?

The exhaust gaskets usually last for five years. But it also depends on the quality of the exhaust gaskets. Good exhaust gaskets can last for even more time.

10. Is replacing a gasket difficult?

Well, it totally depends on the expertise of the person. Usually, a person with no mechanical experience finds it pretty hard to do it. But a skilled person can do it pretty easily.

Wrapping Up

I have tried to equip you with all the necessary information. Remember that when it comes to spare or replacement parts, you have to be extra careful to avoid any bad consequences. 

Therefore, I suggest you pay close attention to all the aspects. You should never settle for something superficial. Look for your desired features at the best possible price.

If you loved our products or have something to say, then please mention that in the comment section below. I wish you good luck in the purchasing phase. Have a wonderful day!